title: The association of age with the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes in human monocytes.
abstract: In vivo studies in man suggest that the enzyme-inducing effect of environmental influences such as drugs or smoking may be reduced in elderly people. We have investigated the basal activity and response to induction of the oxidative enzyme, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) in human monocytes. Three groups were studied: ten fit young, ten fit elderly and eight frail elderly subjects. Significant induction of AHH activity in response to the hydrocarbon benz(a)anthracene was achieved in all three groups. No impairment of basal AHH activity or in the synthesis of new enzyme protein was noted with age or frailty. There is still no direct evidence of an age-associated fall in drug metabolizing enzyme activities in man.
authors.affiliation: Wolfson Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Wynne
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Woodhouse
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases